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Smart Card Reader (#32320)
Today, smart cards are used in a wide variety of applications from healthcare to personal finance. They
are ever-increasing in popularity due to their convenience and security. Generally, smart cards are about
the size of a credit card with an embedded IC for storing data.
The Smart Card Reader from Parallax Inc. provides a low-cost solution for reading and writing data to
contact memory-based smart cards and is compatible with both the BASIC Stamp and Propeller
microcontrollers. Four mounting holes are provided for installation in your application and a card detect
switch allows for easy detection of smart card insertion.
Features
y Low-cost solution for reading and witing data
to standard smart cards
y
y
Mounting holes included for use in applications
Card detect switch allows detection of smart
card insertion
y
y
Dual-row SIP header for breadboard stability
Compatible with most memory-based smart
cards (not compatible with microprocessorbased smart cards)
Easy interface to both the BASIC Stamp and
Propeller microcontrollers
Key Specifications
y Power Requirements: 2.7 - 5.5 VDC
y Communication: Dependent on protocol of
smart card used
Operating temperature: 32 to 158 F (0 to 70
C)
Dimensions: 2.95 x 2.05 in (7.5 x 5.2 cm)
Application Ideas
y Security systems
y Data storage
y Tracking systems
y Identity authentication
Copyright Parallax Inc.
Smart Card Reader (#32320)
v1.0 7/15/2010 Page 1 of 2
How it Works
The pins of the IC embedded in the smart card are accessed through the gold contact pads on the top of
the card. The Smart Card Reader makes this connection through eight contacts inside of the reader
module (card should be inserted with the gold pads down). Once connected, the pins of the smart card
broken out into breadboard friendly 0.1 spacing.
Pin Definitions and Ratings
Pin
Name
Type
Function
I/O
I/O
Bidirectional data I/O
CD
Detects whether card is inserted
CLK
Synchronous clock input
RST
Reset
VCC
Supply voltage
GND
Ground
Pin Type: P = Power, G = Ground, I = Input, O = Output
Connection Diagram
Connection and Testing
Connecting the Smart Card Reader to the microcontroller pins shown above ensures that you can use the
BASIC Stamp and Propeller example programs for each smart card offered by Parallax. Links to the latest
documentation and example programs for these smart cards can be found on the Smart Card Reader
product page. Go to www.parallax.com and search 32320.
Copyright Parallax Inc.
Smart Card Reader (#32320)
v1.0 7/15/2010 Page 2 of 2
